David Ost, professor of political science at Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Blog post by Elma Gonzalez '14, journalism, San Diego, CA.

With Russia constantly in the international spotlight this year, the Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival brings a Russian documentary, “On the Way Home,” to show audiences broader reflections about a country that is often defined by news headlines.

Ost will present the film and lead a discussion after the screening. The documentary narrates a terminally ill truck driver’s journey home to his wife after 20 years driving throughout Russia. She awaits loyally with her beloved pet, Irbis.

Ost assisted in the selection of the film by participating in a small FLEFF committee that collaborated with the International Documentary Film Festival Flahertiana. Last year, Ost also visited the festival to help with the selection of another Russian film.

Ost teaches political science at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. His expertise in European Affairs originates from extensive analysis of the area including research on the Polish “Solidarity” movement and from travel to the region. Ost also speaks Russian and has often travelled to the country.

“I always try to bring the lives and experiences of Eastern Europe to American students, American audiences,” he said. “That is something I’ve always been committed to doing, and I’m happy to be able to do it here at FLEFF as well.”